This is it, the big day - with joy and thanks in our hearts we announce the arrival of Emily Grace Jiao! We've waited many years for this day and throughout it all we've know the love, prayers and support of many people. If we can return 1/10th the love we have received, Grace will be a very lucky girl. For all the love and support we have received from all of you over the years, thank you from all three of us!
We arrived in Nanning last night where we were greeted by our agency representatives, Michael and Hanna. They will be our guides, facilitators, and translators while we are here in Nanning. They spent some time with us this morning assisting with the various official Chinese documents that we need to conclude the adoption. This afternoon they took us to the Lottery Hotel where we and Grace were united.
There are 10 families in our group and 10 babies... interestingly, there was not a lot of crying. The babies all looked a little confused, they seemed more curious than frightened. We know that's already changed; Grace just woke from her nap and realized she's in a strange place with strange people. That too will change, though, she's ours now and in time she'll be more comfortable around us. In the mean time, we're prepared for the transition.
Tomorrow is more paperwork - the finalizing of the adoption. Then we wait here for a week or so while Grace receive a passport before heading off to Guangzhuo to apply for her immigrant visa.
In the mean time, I think we all just need a nap.
